By 2026, Bulgaria has a historic opportunity to shift from a passive tech consumer to an active digital player in Europe. The national “Digital Decade” roadmap and EU policies on AI, quantum tech, and semiconductors create a framework for transforming the country’s technological ecosystem.
Transformative Investment Plans
Over €2.19 billion are earmarked by Bulgaria for roadmap implementation by 2030, mostly from the Recovery Plan and EU Cohesion funds. These resources target:
- Establishing an AI Factory in Sofia Tech Park;
- Participation in EU initiatives such as Chips Joint Undertaking, EuroHPC, and QU-PILOT;
- Creating a network of European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH);
- Improving digital skills through upskilling and education programs.
Key Challenges and Indicators
Despite progress, Bulgaria lags in several key areas:
- Only 6.5% of companies use AI (EU average – 11.2%);
- Digital skills are below 40% among the workforce;
- ICT specialists make up under 5% of employed people;
- Weak connection between R&D and business adoption.
Development Scenarios by 2026
- Realistic: Gradual progress – about 80–85% of measures implemented, but workforce gaps and slow tech adoption persist.
- Optimistic: Digital boom – AI adoption >10%, launch of first quantum project, ICT specialists reach 5% of workforce.
- Pessimistic: Lagging – policy delays, poor fund absorption, weak industry engagement.
Winners and Risk Zones
Startups and research centers stand to gain if policy coherence and financing are ensured. Businesses that fail to adapt risk being left out of Europe’s tech map.
Conclusion: Bulgaria’s digital transformation success by 2026 will rely not only on EU funds, but on the strategic synchronization of public and private efforts.
Disclaimer: This article is an analytical overview by BurgasMedia and reflects the editorial team’s position based on current events. The conclusions presented are hypothetical and do not constitute forecasts. Readers are encouraged to form their own views based on verified sources.